From Akanimo Kufre, Abuja
The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has unveiled cash rewards of up to $3,000 for Nigerian athletes who win medals at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, as he charged the country’s young representatives to pursue excellence and make the nation proud.
Olopade announced the incentives on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium during a send-forth ceremony for Nigeria’s 21-athlete contingent, which will compete in eight sporting events at the Games. Under the reward scheme, gold medallists will receive $3,000, silver medallists $2,500 and bronze medallists $2,000.
While acknowledging that the Youth Olympics is primarily a developmental competition, the NSC chief urged the athletes to seize the opportunity to test their abilities against the world’s best and return with laurels. He described their selection as recognition of their potential, urging them to use the international exposure as a stepping stone towards greater achievements, including the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Olopade, however, expressed disappointment with the International Olympic Committee’s selection of sports for the competition, arguing that some disciplines in which Nigeria enjoys a competitive advantage were excluded.
He said the Games remained valuable for nurturing young talents, exposing them to elite international competition and preparing them for future challenges.
Defending the cash incentives, Olopade said athletes who had worked hard to earn national representation deserved to be rewarded, regardless of their age. He explained that the money would support their education and help ease the financial burden on their families, adding that the initiative was intended to encourage discipline, focus and commitment among young athletes.
Meanwhile, the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel, assured Nigerians that the contingent would travel to Dakar and return with its integrity intact, promising that the athletes would compete clean.
Gumel also commended the NSC’s cash reward initiative, describing it as a strong source of motivation for the young competitors as they prepare to represent Nigeria on the international stage.
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